On February 22, we will all celebrate the Presidents who have shared the task of being Commander-in Chief by purchasing cars, furniture, and mattresses! It seems as though we are unable to have very many holidays where we actually mark the day set aside for celebration with the intended purpose in favor of merchandising unrelated commercial goods. But, it was not always that way, and in fact, had a fairly rocky start.
In 1789 Congress approved the celebration of George Washington’s birth as February 22. But, there was controversy as to when he was actually born. According to the newer style calendar, the Gregorian, he was born on 22 February 1732. But according to the older style Julian calendar which was used in England until 1752, he was born on 11 February. In the 1790’s, America was split and his birthday was either or. But, there was no advertising used during this time.
After Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, it too was deemed to be worthy of a celebration. But his birthday was on12 February. We failed to accept two days of celebration so close in time. So, Washington’s Day was federally accepted as 22 February, and Lincoln’s on 12 February, was a public day of honor.
In 1968, the 90th Congress sent the whole celebration to hell by creating a uniform holiday system. This moved at least three holidays to a Monday, including Washington’s birth day. And, with the three day “weekend comes the opportunity to sell all kind of items. So now we celebrate Presidents’ Day on the third Monday in February. But to be correct, it is a Sellabration! If you ask most people what they will do on President’s day they will probably not even be able to name at least 20 presidents. But, they will know that it is a good time to buy a car! Here is a thought for a holiday. Lets make Valentine's Day a national holiday and sell lots of GUNS in honor of the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre! Just an observation...
In 1789 Congress approved the celebration of George Washington’s birth as February 22. But, there was controversy as to when he was actually born. According to the newer style calendar, the Gregorian, he was born on 22 February 1732. But according to the older style Julian calendar which was used in England until 1752, he was born on 11 February. In the 1790’s, America was split and his birthday was either or. But, there was no advertising used during this time.
After Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, it too was deemed to be worthy of a celebration. But his birthday was on12 February. We failed to accept two days of celebration so close in time. So, Washington’s Day was federally accepted as 22 February, and Lincoln’s on 12 February, was a public day of honor.
In 1968, the 90th Congress sent the whole celebration to hell by creating a uniform holiday system. This moved at least three holidays to a Monday, including Washington’s birth day. And, with the three day “weekend comes the opportunity to sell all kind of items. So now we celebrate Presidents’ Day on the third Monday in February. But to be correct, it is a Sellabration! If you ask most people what they will do on President’s day they will probably not even be able to name at least 20 presidents. But, they will know that it is a good time to buy a car! Here is a thought for a holiday. Lets make Valentine's Day a national holiday and sell lots of GUNS in honor of the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre! Just an observation...
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